Overview
- A University of Birmingham randomized study published Oct. 29 in the Journal of Physiology examined whether a pre-sitting flavanol dose can preserve vascular function.
- Forty healthy young men consumed either a high‑flavanol cocoa drink (695 mg total flavanols) or a low‑flavanol version (5.6 mg) before two hours of uninterrupted sitting.
- After the low‑flavanol drink, participants showed declines in flow‑mediated dilatation in arm and leg arteries, higher diastolic blood pressure, reduced arterial blood flow, and lower leg muscle oxygenation.
- The high‑flavanol drink prevented declines in FMD in both limbs across higher‑ and lower‑fitness groups, marking the first demonstration of flavanol protection against sitting‑induced vascular dysfunction in young men.
- Given links between small FMD drops and higher cardiovascular risk, the authors recommend trials including women and longer exposures, and suggest flavanol‑rich foods alongside breaking up sitting time as practical measures.